Who is Mónica Costeira?

Mónica, a humanitarian pediatrician, activist, and writer from Aveiro, is passionate about making a positive impact and inspiring change. From her childhood as the eldest sister of four, she found her source of joy and inspiration in her interactions with children. With a spirit of volunteerism, Mónica embarked on missions around the world, including in Greece, East Timor, and with Doctors With-out Borders in conflict zones.

The Call to Humanitarian Medicine

Mónica’s journey into humanitarian medicine began at a young age. At just ten years old, she wrote about her desire to become a pediatrician because she loved children and had a passion for helping others. This early recognition of her interest in aiding the vulnerable laid the foundation for her future career.

Mónica’s path took her to some of the world’s most challenging environments. From Timor to South Sudan, her work has always been driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives of those in need. So, what motivated her to work in conflict zones and difficult settings? According to Mónica, it’s a blend of her lifelong passion for helping others and a strong sense of responsibility towards vulnerable populations.

Adapting to Multicultural Contexts

Mónica’s work spans various countries and cultures, presenting unique challenges in each context. When adapting to these multicultural settings, she relies on thorough preparation and active observation. Before entering a new environment, she studies the country’s historical, cultural, and political background.

However, the key to effective adaptation lies in curiosity and the ability to observe without judgment. By immersing herself in the local context and understanding the underlying cultural dynamics, Mónica can better navigate these diverse environments and build meaningful connections with the people she serves.

Empathy: The Frontier Competence

During a memorable presentation in Porto, Mónica highlighted empathy as a crucial frontier competence. Empathy is more than just understanding someone else’s emotions; it’s about actively listening without judgment and connecting with the emotions others are experiencing. Mónica explains that empathy involves recognizing and sharing the emotions of others, which helps bridge gaps between people from different backgrounds.

In her work, Mónica has witnessed the profound impact of empathy. One notable story is from her time in Yemen. She encountered a cultural practice where children’s uvulas were removed to prevent choking or improve breastfeeding. Initially, she was shocked and judgmental about the practice. However, through empathetic listening and engagement with local healthcare professionals and mothers, she discovered that these practices were motivated by genuine concerns for children’s well-being.

By understanding the underlying fears and beliefs, Mónica was able to offer alternative solutions that addressed these concerns while minimizing harm. This empathetic approach led to changes in practice and improved outcomes for the children.

The Power of Empathy in Leadership

Empathy isn’t just a personal attribute; it’s also a powerful tool in leadership. In challenging environments like refugee camps or conflict zones, Mónica often faces immense suffering and hardship. Despite the emotional toll, she finds that empathy helps her connect with others and maintain a positive outlook.

For example, Mónica recalls a poignant moment in Yemen when she was faced with a high number of sick and dying children. Despite the overwhelming sadness, she focused on the love and dedication of the families and healthcare workers around her. This focus on the positive aspects of their efforts provided her with the strength and motivation to continue her work, even in the face of severe adversity.

Overcoming Compassion Fatigue

One of the challenges Mónica faces is compassion fatigue, a form of burnout experienced by those in caregiving professions. Compassion fatigue can be particularly challenging in humanitarian work, where the emotional demands are high. Mónica has experienced this firsthand, especially after returning from missions in South Sudan and Yemen.

Recognizing the signs of burnout early is crucial. Mónica now pays close attention to her own well-being and practices self-compassion. This involves acknowledging her limits and ensuring she takes time for self-care. By doing so, she can maintain her capacity to support others effectively.

The Role of Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is vital for those in demanding roles. It involves recognizing one’s own needs and limitations and treating oneself with kindness. Mónica stresses the importance of this practice, not just for maintaining personal well-being but also for sustaining the ability to care for others.

Self-compassion allows caregivers to recharge and continue their vital work. Mónica’s experience underscores the need for those in high-stress professions to balance their compassion for others with self-care and personal boundaries.

Encouraging Volunteering and Humanitarian Work

For young people interested in humanitarian work, Mónica offers valuable advice. She encourages them to approach volunteering with an open mind and a readiness to learn. Preparing oneself mentally and emotionally is crucial for making a meaningful impact.

Moreover, Mónica highlights the importance of working on one’s own self-compassion. Understanding personal limits and ensuring personal well-being is essential for those who wish to give their best in challenging environments.

Mónica Costeira’s experiences illustrate the transformative power of empathy in humanitarian work. Her stories highlight how empathy can bridge cultural divides, improve practices, and sustain individuals in the face of adversity. For those interested in making a difference, her insights offer a roadmap for combining compassion with effective action.

By embracing empathy, both personally and professionally, we can navigate the complexities of our world and create positive change in the lives of those who need it most.

You can watch the full episode on Youtube, on the link below.